Send The Perfect Gift For The Holidays

What does EVERYONE love to receive at the holidays......FOOD! Sending a Better Than A Bistro holiday package is the perfect way to send your best wishes. No need to worry about finding a parking place, pushing through the crowds or standing in long checkout lines. You can send the perfect gift of the perfect food from the comfort of your home......today!

Choose from the Steak Lovers or the Bistro Sampler. Perfect combinations for the perfect gift!

CLICK TO GO TO THE STEAK LOVERS

CLICK TO GO TO THE BISTRO SAMPLER

Keeping Food Safe When The Power Goes Out

With hurricane season upon us now is a good time to review food safety when the power goes out.

Freezer Safety

A full freezer will remain below 40°F for about two days, and a less-than-full freezer will maintain that temperature for approximately one day. Rearrange meats so their juices do not drip onto other foods as the meats begin to thaw. Throw away any ready-to-eat item that comes in contact with meat juices.

Frozen foods that have partially orcompletely thawed can be refrozenif they contain ice crystals. If they have completely thawed but are still at a temperature of 40°F or below, they also can be refrozen. Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature of the food. Although partial thawing and refreezing of these foods will be safe, the quality of some foods, especially vegetablesand fruits, may be reduced. Hard cheeses, breads, and fruits and vegetables and their juices—if they look and smell normal—can be refrozen even if they have been above 40°F for more than two hours.

One way to ensure the safety of thawed meat products that have been above 40°F for two hours or less is to cook them immediately. Either serve the food immediately or refreeze the cooked item. Be sure to cook to the proper temperatures, checking internal temperatures with a digital thermometer. Refrigerate and use within two days or freeze the leftovers immediately.

Foodborne illness is very uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening, especially for the very young, the senior population, and those with weakened immune systems. Don’t take chances on your family’s safety for the sake of a few dollars in groceries. Remember: When in doubt, throw it out!

As a result of thunderstorms, ice storms, and other disturbances, power outages occur more often than we desire. Outages are not only an inconvenience, but also a safety issue, particularly when it comes to food. When refrigerators and freezers lose power, we worry about whether or not the food will be safe for our families. Knowing how to handle food while the power is off and when it has been restored will help to ensure that you and your family do not become victims of a foodborne illness. To monitor temperatures, it’s important to keep an appliance thermometer in both the refrigerator and the freezer at all times. This will take the guesswork out of determining the temperature of your units. Also, keep a digital thermometer on hand. This utensil will enable you to check the temperature of thawed foods to determine their safety. When the power goes out, try to find out how long it is expected to be off. If it will be for only a few hours, don’t do anything. Open the freezer or refrigerator door as little as possible, for this will allow the units to maintain their chilled temperatures longer.

Avoid Halloween Nightmares

FOOD SAFETY TIPS

Even though it’s not an official holiday, Halloween is much beloved by children and adults alike. What could be more fun than trick-or-treating, apple bobbing, or costume parties?
To make sure treats are safe for children, follow these simple steps:

Snacking: Children shouldn’t snack while they’re out trick-or-treating. Give them a light meal or snack before they head out – don’t send them out on an empty stomach. Urge them to wait until they get home and let you inspect the contents of their “goody bags.”

Safe treats: Tell children not to accept – and especially not to eat – anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Choking hazards: If you have very young children, be sure to remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys.Bobbing for apples is an all-time favorite Halloween game. Here are a couple of ways to say “boo” to bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
Reduce the number of bacteria that might be present on apples and other raw fruits and vegetables by thoroughly rinsing them under cool running water. As an added precaution, use a produce brush to remove surface dirt.

• Try this new spin on apple bobbing from FightBAC.org: Cut out lots of apples from red construction paper.  On each apple, write activities for kids, such as “do 5 jumping jacks.”  Place a paper clip on each apple and put them in a large basket. Tie a magnet to a string.  Let the children take turns “bobbing” with their magnet and doing the activity written on their apple. Give children a fresh apple for participating.

If your idea of Halloween fun is a party at home, don’t forget these tips:

• Beware of spooky cider!  Unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. To stay safe, always serve pasteurized products at your parties.
• No matter how tempting, don't taste raw cookie dough or cake batter that contain uncooked eggs.
• “Scare" bacteria away by keeping all perishable foods chilled until serving time. These include finger sandwiches, cheese platters, fruit or tossed salads, cold pasta dishes with meat, poultry, or seafood, and cream pies or cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frostings.
• Bacteria will creep up on you if you let foods sit out too long. Don’t leave perishable goodies out of the fridge for more than two hours (1 hour in temperatures above 90°F).

References: FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

Breast Cancer and Diet

Does diet really matter when it comes to breast cancer? Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, this is the perfect time to answer that question.

And the answer is a resounding yes. Breast cancer risk can be decreased by up to 38% through lifestyle factors including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. In fact, less than 10% of breast cancer appears to have a genetic basis.

For prevention of breast cancer, limiting alcohol to one drink a day (5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of spirits) is one of the most important things that you can do. In addition, a plant-based diet loaded with at least two cups a day of a variety of produce is beneficial.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, "no single food or food component can protect you against cancer by itself. But scientists believe that the combination of foods in a predominantly plant-based diet may. There is evidence that the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in plant foods could interact in ways that boost their individual anti-cancer effects. This concept of interaction, where 1 + 1 = 3, is called synergy."

LynFit Slimmer By Dinner

"Stepping up to make better mealtime decisions can seem like a daunting task. I found the perfect solution for me and my family - Better Than A Bistro. Great, high quality perfectly portioned proteins that fit perfectly with my Slimmer By Dinner program.

I encourage you to incorporate these flash frozen foods into your daily diet. I know I can't live without it. Martha Stewart turned me on to flash frozen fish many years ago and Better Than A Bistro has everything I need to be Slimmer By Dinner."  - LISA LYNN, Nationally Recognized Fitness and Nutrition Expert

CLICK HERE TO VISIT LYNFIT SLIMMER BY DINNER PRODUCTS

What's Cooking For Fall?

What a beautiful time of year - cool and crisp with the slightest hint of the leaves beginning to change colors. What does it all mean? It's fall!

Time to start thinking about cooking up some of those foods that are easily identifiable with this time of year. You know, those Comfort Foods - the ones that grandma used to fix many years ago. Not only are they filling, they also evoke memories of childhood and "the good old days".

Fear not, we've got you covered. Here are just a few examples that will make you "fall" in love all over again:

Chicken Pot Pies

A comfort food classic. Our Chicken Pot Pies are loaded with large meaty chunks of completely trimmed chicken, carrots and peas in a deliciously seasoned gravy then covered with a flaky puff pastry crust. A mouthwatering meal in minutes. Hot and bubbly straight from the oven, just like Grandma used to make!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Cooked Pot Roast

Melt in your mouth fork tender and smothered in luscious gravy. It's comfort food at its best! Slow roasted in its own juices, well trimmed with little fat, this family favorite can be enjoyed any night of the week. Enjoy homemade flavor just like mom used to make, except you don't have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing it! 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Meatloaf in Gravy

Our fully cooked Meatloaf is a comfort classic with plenty of rich flavor, traditionally seasoned with tomatoes, peppers, onions and topped with gravy. Feed the family these meatloaves on those crisp nights to warm their appetites, and stomachs! A nice alternative is to make tasty meatloaf sandwiches with crisp lettuce and a juicy slice of tomato with any leftovers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

We Remember 9-11

All of our lives were touched and changed by the events of September 11, 2001. Most of us can still recall exactly where we were and what we were doing at that exact time. May we never forget those that gave their lives that day. May we always remember the families that were left behind.

Take some time today to remember.....

We Want To Help Raise Money For Your School This Holiday Season!

It's Here.....CEDAR PLANKED SALMON!

BISTRO Cedar Planked Salmon

We are proud to introduce Cedar Planked Salmon into our Better Than A Bistro lineup of products! Handcut Atlantic Salmon rubbed with gourmet seasoning, then garnished and placed on pre-soaked cedar boards. You'll love these delicious flavors; Sugar and Spice, Applewood with Orange and Ginger, and Maple and Smoked Pepper.

AND, until Septmeber 30th you save $10 off the regular price!

CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE DELICIOUS DETAILS!

Is Labor Day The Last Big Grilling Event Of The Year?

Labor Day is the second largest cookout event of the year in the United States. However, more and more people have now turned to year round grilling and it no longer signifies the official end of the outdoor cooking season.

Tradition dictates that cooking on an open flame is synonymous with summer holidays. As Labor Day is the last holiday of the summer, a lot of people take this opportunity to mix up fun summertime food, festivities and socializing. But, just because the kids are heading back to school and Christmas items are showing up in stores doesn't mean it's time to pack up the patio furniture and barbecue. You can always relive that summertime fun anytime with a freshly cooked meal straight from the grill.

Throw A BISTRO Tailgate Party

Hooray....it's football season! And there's nothing more American than bonding with friends, family and your fellow football loving fans at a tailgate party. Professional, college, or even high-school - the party's on! Whether you're at the stadium or in your back yard, this is the perfect combination of sports, food and fun. There is a science to tailgating however, and here are some tips to help you organize your tailgate - the BISTRO way.

Create The Atmosphere

Organizing the perfect tailgating party involves planning. Your first priority should be to reflect the energetic environment that will be surrounding the game. Get pumped up!

Wear The Colors

Show support for your team in every possible way. Face painting, car decorating, flags, bumper stickers, jerseys, hats...you name it. You can go "buckwild" without embarrassing anyone. It's time to 'Represent'!

The Main Menu

Now we're talking. Food is by far the most important ingredient for a successful tailgate. Your team might be losing by a boatload, but it won't matter if you've supplied enough food to keep bellies full.

Tailgate food staples are mainly grill based; they should include Better Than A Bistro Sirloin Burgers, Flamig Farm Steak Dogs and Baby Back Ribs. Whoever heard of a vegetarian tailgate anyway?

One of the best foods to center your tailgate around is sausages. They're easy to cook and easy to eat. Grill up some Better Than A Bistro Hot Italian Sausages or Sweet Italian Sausages.

BISTRO Food For Thought

"There cannot be a New Beginning To A Healthy Lifestyle without there first being an end to the old one"

Lisa Lynn Endorses Better Than A Bistro!

Renown Metabolic Weight Loss and Performance Nutrition Specialist, Lisa Lynn, has put her stamp of approval on Better Than A Bistro!

"I trust only the best for my family and Better Than A Bistro does just that, making it easy to serve Healthy, Quick and Easy meals every day. With great products and great people who care about providing the absolute best for families I wholeheartedly not only endorse and recommend, but am proud to be a client of Better Than A Bistro. And, you should be too!" - Lisa Lynn

With 25 years of devoted practice to the fields of personal training and health and wellness, Lisa is a one-of-a-kind expert in metabolic weight loss and performance nutrition. Her education includes four certificates from the International Sports and Sciences Association (ISSA) including Certified Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Performance Nutrition, Fitness Therapy, and Elite Trainer from The Professional Division of ISSA.

Best known for her 13 years as personal trainer of Martha Stewart who said, “Lisa is the only trainer that made a difference. She not only preaches what to do, she lives it.” Lisa is a regular guest as nutrition and fitness expert on NBC’s The Dr. Oz Show, The Martha Stewart Show, FOX News, News 8 Connecticut and Sirius Radio where she has inspired and equipped millions of viewers to lose weight and maintain their results through healthier lifestyles.

Lisa has also been prominently featured as an expert in the following publications: Dr. Oz Blog, Martha Stewart Living, Share Care, Iron Man, Fitness Magazine, Muscle Magazine, Muscle Media, Physique Forum, Performance Press and American Health.

And now, Lisa recommends Better Than A Bistro as the one-stop online source for quality food, delivered to the home, adding convenience and dining excellence to the daily routine.

School Lunch Advice For Kids Of All Ages

Try the tips below to make your child's lunch healthy and worth looking forward to.

For home-packed lunches:

• Avoid the morning rush by preparing lunch the night before and chilling it in the refrigerator.
• Put slices of tomatoes in a separate bag or container so they don't make sandwiches soggy.
• Instead of potato or corn chips, pack a healthier alternative like veggie chips, bagel rounds, or baked tortilla crisps.
• Round out the meal with kid-sized veggies - baby carrots, celery sticks, or broccoli florets - and a low-fat or fat-free dip.
• Low-fat, high fiber mini muffins make a great dessert alternative to cupcakes or high-fat cookies.
• Use a cookie cutter to transform a plain square sandwich into something unique.
• Turn a container of low-fat yogurt into a complete meal by sending along some stir-ins like granola, trail mix, unsalted chopped nuts, or whole grain cereal.
• Consider alternatives to sandwich bread like burger buns, pita rounds, soft tortillas, and large lettuce leaves (for a no-sog wrap for savory fillings).

For school cafeteria lunches:

• Look over the cafeteria menu with your child ahead of time. Try to agree on items your child likes and that are healthy.
• Early in the school year, try to arrange to have lunch with your child at the cafeteria. Use this as an opportunity to model your own healthy food choices.
• Ask the school's parent-teacher group to arrange a presentation by the food service department. Express your interest in ensuring that healthy food choices be offered in school cafeterias and vending machines. 

Advice and tips for safe brown bag lunches

To prevent food-related illness, follow the guidelines below when preparing and packing brown bag lunches.

Watch the temperature. Harmful bacteria grow best between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F, so it's important to keep perishable foods outside this danger zone as much as possible. Foods susceptible to bacterial growth - especially high protein foods like meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs - should never be in the danger zone for more than two hours (one hour in warm weather conditions). Foods destined for the lunch box should be kept in the refrigerator until just before your child leaves for school.

Back To School - The BISTRO Way

It's that time again - Back To School. As hard as we try to provide healthy meals and snacks for our kids they're only healthy is the kids eat them. Here's a great alternative that is packed with flavors kids love, and the critical protein, whole grains, and vitamins they need daily to be at their best.

The BISTRO Chicken Panini (makes 2 sandwiches)

Featuring: Better Than A Bistro Antibiotic Free Chicken Cutlets

Ingredients:

• 2 grilled Better Than A Bistro Antibiotic Free Chicken Cutlets (you may shred chicken if desired)
• 2 slices cooked bacon
• 4 slices bread
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon pesto
• 2 slices of your favorite cheese

Preparation:

1. Heat a George Foreman grill or panini maker
2. Spread butter on one side of each piece of bread
3. Flip 2 pieces of bread over. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of pesto on the un-buttered side of each slice of bread. Top with bacon, chicken, then cheese.
4. Top with the remaining 2 slices of bread, buttered sides facing out. Grill the panini sandwiches until golden. 

Cut sandwiches in half and wrap tightly in foil as soon as they're ready. By lunch time they will still be warm.

NOTE: Make sure to look at our post about School Lunch Advice For Kids Of All Ages for helpful tips to make lunch time stress free, health, and worth looking forward to.